HEADS WILL ROLL – ‘MADZE’

MBABANE – Despite retiring from football, he remains Eswatini’s most valuable player.

That is the story of the country’s football legend Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina, who according to latest figures from transfermarkt.com, is valued at E3 million. 

He reached this high figure when he made a move to Belgium’s SC Eendracht Aalst in 2004 from South Africa’s Supersport United. ‘Yuki’ also played for Belgium’s KV Mechelen, Orlando Pirates, Umtata Bush Bucks, and Mpumalanga Black Aces. 

He was last attached to Mbombela United as member of their technical bench before it was relegated to the third tier league (ABC Motsepe League) in South Africa. He is currently clubless but reportedly pursuing a coaching course in South Africa. Reached for comment, Masina attributed this recognition to hard work.

“There is nothing that beats hard work man. I would have not achieved this if I was not focused and I always worked hard to give the best when given a chance by the coach,” Masina said.

committed and disciplined

He also pointed out that being committed and disciplined during training also helped him to perform better. When asked which of his former teams he enjoyed his football the most, he did not hesitate to say: “Definitely it has to be overseas man. It was my dream to play overseas and when the opportunity came I seized it with both my hands. Actually even England’s Tottenham Hotspur wanted me to join them but then SC Eendracht Aalst tabled a better offer,” he said.

The former Sihlangu play-maker said his ambition was to focus on upgrading his coaching knowledge and made it clear that he wanted to attain the highest coaching qualification.

“Well I can take offers in Eswatini or coach the national team but my ambition is to coach in South Africa or abroad. This does not mean I am not open to local offers too,” said the 38-year-old Masina.

Retired and Green Mamba assistant coach Maxwell ‘Dunga’ Zikalala, who is fourth on the same table alongside ‘Yuki’ attributed his feat to discipline and passion.

“Myself and Yuki were groomed by the same coach, Reuben Gwebu, at Mbabane City. We were devoted to our respective teams. I guess that is what earned the move to Israel where I played for a year and came back to Manzini Wanderers. It was an honour to play overseas and the only way to reach that milestone is hard work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mbabane Swallows’ Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko revealed that his secret to achieving his milestone was focus.

respect the team

“When you get an offer to play for a team, you must respect the team, the coach and other players. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Players must be disciplined and be committed,” he pointed out. 

Other highly valued local players are Mbabane Swallows’ winger Tony Tsabedze and TS Galaxy star Justice Figuareido, who are both at E2.5 million. 

Tsabedze’s highest value once reached E3 million mark in 2009 during the time when he was playing for South Africa’s Supersport United. 

It has significantly depreciated in recent times. 

Worth noting is that former Jomo Cosmos striker Siza Dlamini according to the transfer market, his highest market value was once at E1.18 million in 2007.

TS Galaxy’s Felix Badenhorst and former Manzini Wanderers pair of Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze also make the list with a value of E760 000. Also making the list is  Swallows’ new signee Leon Manyisa, who is valued at E380 000. He made his debut on the transfer market website when he made a move to FC Van in Europe.

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